We sometimes receive calls from customers (and sometimes dismayed customers) who are surprised to learn their sheets and rolls are not the exact size as listed on our website. We understand that Vinyl and Heat Transfer Vinyl are new to many crafters so we wanted to take time to explain why the measuremetns are not always exact. Many of the items we sell are not exact size items and that is true regardless of where you purchase the product because they come from the manufacturer that way. For example, Siser EasyWeed 15" rolls actually come as 14.75" wide and 12" Siser rolls are actually 11.8" wide, while others such as StarCraft HD are almost always exactly 24" wide so when we cut them they are true 12" wide rolls or true 12" x 12" sheets. We try our best to specify the actual measurements on the product pages, but unfortunately many people do not read the details.
In our Terms and Conditions on the website we have the following statement:
Sheet and Roll Sizes
Widths of all Rolls and Sheets are approximate and may vary up to about 1/4". The rolls sizes from manufacturers vary and are never exact widths so when we cut them into sheets, sometimes the sheets are a bit smaller, sometimes they are a bit larger. This will be the same for any vendor that converts sheets to rolls. Rolls may vary in length, as well. We use very high quality (and expensive) equipment to measure the lengths when rolls are cut. However, there are sometimes variances that are difficult to control. We do our very best to ensure rolls and sheets are sized consistently, but for them to always be exact is not possible.
This 1/4" variance also applies to the actual widths so if the actual width says 11.8" we can sometimes have a small margin of error that will will be +/- 1/4" from that actual size. This rarely actually happens because we take our jobs seriously and we make every effort to measure as accurately as possible.
Why aren't these sizes not exact, anyway?
Roll sizes from manufacturers vary. For example, larger master rolls from Siser are 59" wide so when we cut them evenly, they have to be either five rolls that are 11.8" wide or four rolls that are 14.75" wide. Siser Glitter HTV rolls are labeled as 20" but are actually 19.66" wide. These measurements are true regardless of where you buy the same product. For example, the 12" wide rolls of Siser HTV you can purchase at Michael's are actually 11.8" wide and it says so on the label.
Why do you not have the exact measurements on the product name?
The industry standard is that sheets and roll sizes are sold this way so if we put the actual measurements on the product name and our competitors do not, we'll lose business and the customers will ultimately just be unhappy. By far, most people in the industry who purchase these products know and understand the sizes so it's actually rare that we receive any complaints.
Note Regarding Cutter Limitations
Cricut Explore Series (including One, Air, and Air 2) and Maker users are limited to a 11.5" width for cutting so an 11.8" wide sheet extends beyond the actual cutting area.
For those wondering what the measurements are and how they work out, here are some examples:
12" x 15" Sheets Siser EasyWeed, Stretch, Electric, and others
These are cut from a Siser 15" roll which is actually 14.75" wide so the sheets are 12" x 14.75" wide actual size.
12" x 12" Sheets Siser EasyWeed, Stretch, Electric, and others
These are cut from a Siser 12" roll which is actually 11.8" wide so the sheets are 11.8" x 12" wide actual size.
12" x 24" Sheets Siser EasyWeed, Stretch, Electric, and others
These are cut from a Siser 12" roll which is actually 11.8" wide so the sheets are 11.8" x 24" wide actual size.
12" x 20" Sheets Siser Glitter and Holographic HTV
These are cut from a Siser 20" roll which is actually 19.66" wide so the sheets are 12" x 19.66" wide actual size.
12" and 15" Wide Rolls of Siser HTV
As explained above, the 12" wide rolls are actually 11.8" and 15" rolls are actually 14.75" wide, so they will be those widths and the actual length specified (5 feet, 5 yards, etc.).
12" and 24" sheets and rolls of adhesive vinyl
Most adhesive vinyl sheets and rolls are very very close to actual size, keeping in mind the +/- 1/4" variance allowance for cutting.
